Selection apparatus

ABSTRACT

A selection apparatus adapted to be used with a gaming apparatus comprising a set of selectable outcomes. The selection apparatus comprises: a first array of identifier areas; and a second array of selection areas alternately interspaced between the identifier areas of the first array such that each selection area of the second array is adjacent to a plurality of identifier areas of the first array. Each identifier area is associated with one of the selectable outcomes such that each selectable outcome of the set is associated with at least one identifier area. Further, each selection area is associated with the plurality of identifier areas it is adjacent to.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a selection apparatus and more particularly to a selection apparatus adapted to be used with a gaming apparatus comprising a set of selectable identifiers.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Games in which players bet on a particular outcome occurring are widely known. During such games, players place chips or tokens on a betting layout (or selection apparatus) provided on a table, and then a croupier/dealer uses the gaming apparatus, such as a set of cards or roulette wheel for example, in accordance with a defined set of rules produce an outcome of the game. The croupier/dealer settles the various wagers placed on the table layout in accordance with predetermined rules and wager odds and the process is then repeated.

Typically, a betting layout comprises a grid of numbered areas arranged in numerical order. However, it is often difficult for a player to place chips/tokens on the betting layout so as to select a pair or group of outcomes. To do so, the player may be required to place chips/tokens on the betting layout so as to select the desired outcomes separately for example. Either not enough time is available between turns of the games to enable a player to make such a selection, or the time between games is increased which reduces the rate of game play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a selection apparatus adapted to be used with a gaming apparatus comprising a set of selectable outcomes, the selection apparatus comprising: a first array of identifier areas; and a second array of selection areas alternately interspaced between the identifier areas of the first array such that each selection area of the second array is adjacent to a plurality of identifier areas of the first array, wherein each identifier area is associated with one of the selectable outcomes such that each selectable outcome of the set is associated with at least one identifier area, and wherein each selection area is associated with the plurality of identifier areas it is adjacent to.

The pattern of alternately interspaced areas enables a single selection area to be used to select a plurality of adjacent areas. Thus, embodiments of the invention enable a user to use a single selection area to select a plurality of identifier areas. It is therefore simple for a user to select a group of identifier areas.

Embodiments may be used in conjunction with a cards and/or dice, therefore enabling a player of the game to bet on more than one card and/or dice side being selected as an outcome using only a single selection.

The selection apparatus can be used in conjunction with a variety of gaming apparatuses having, for example, different numbers of outcomes and/or different combinations of outcomes.

Further developments of the invention are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrams, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention using two instances of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of another embodiment of the invention

FIG. 4 shows a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 shows another modification of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the selection apparatus is for use with playing cards (not shown) being used to play the known game of “Punto Banco” (also known as Baccarat) where cards are dealt according to a fixed set of rules. Punto Banco is a game that can be played on two types of table. One is a conventional “Blackjack” style table with a single dealer controlling the whole operation. The second type of table is a large, ‘kidney’ shaped, table version of the game which has three dealers and the players sit in armchairs and may deal the cards themselves.

Players bet on the winner of a match-up between two hands, one hand being called “Player” (Punto), the other hand being called “Bank” (Banco). Cards are dealt to both hands by the dealer according to a set of rules and the winner is the hand closest to a total of nine. Both table versions of the game are identical in this.

For this game, the totals of each hand are calculated by adding the values of the cards in them and then using just the last digit. So a hand of 6 and 4 has a total of 10 and thus a value for this game of zero.

Players choose which of the two sides will be victorious and place their bet in the box that signifies their choice. Choosing ‘Player’ simply means placing a bet on the Player (Punto) winning, whereas choosing ‘Bank’ (Banco) means placing a bet on the Bank winning. Having made a choice, a player can also opt to bet on the tie, or egalité. This means betting that the outcome of the hand will be a draw, both hands having equal value with no more cards to come.

The Banker

There are two different methods of determining who is to fulfill the role of “Banker” within the context of the game, as follows:

a) The Dealer will at all times draw the cards and act as Banker; or

a) The Shoe will be offered in turn to each Player seated at the table, who will accept or refuse to take on the role of Banker.

(i) If the Dealer is to act as Banker, they will at all times retain the Shoe and deal the cards into predetermined positions on the table in front of them.

(ii) If the Players are to act in turn as Banker, the Shoe will be offered anti-clockwise around the table to the seated Players, starting at the commencement of play.

(iii) A Player accepting the Shoe shall act as Banker ONLY for the purposes of dealing the cards.

(iv) If the Bank loses in any coup, the Shoe will be offered anti-clockwise around the table, starting with the Player seated at the next numbered position.

(v) Only Players seated at numbered places may take the Shoe. A new Shoe will be regarded as a continuation of the previous Shoe so far as transfer is concerned.

(vi) A Player who has accepted the Shoe may pass it after any coup.

The Punter

The Dealer shall act as the Punter for all coups regardless of whether they are also acting as Banker.

General Rules

The number of decks in use is normally six or eight.

The count value of each Ace shall be one, the value of picture cards shall be ten, with the other cards having count values in accordance with the markings.

Hands shall comprise of either two or three cards, according to the Table of Play (the “Tableau”) as detailed below in Table 2.

The point value of a hand shall be a single figure (0-9 inclusive) and shall be determined by totaling the count values of the cards in the hand, and as requisite, subtracting ten or multiples of ten. A point of zero shall be termed “Baccarat”.

If a wager is placed say on Punto 8 and 9, should the Punto's score be 8 or 9 and Punto wins the wager will win. If the Bank had won all Punto bets will have lost.

Wagers are only Payable on the winning side i.e. Punto or Bank. Here, the objective is to select the correct score of the outcome of either side (Player or Bank). Whether this wager wins is dependent on which version is played. Versions may include:

(i) A chosen total and side (Player or Bank) must win to be paid, and ties lose—A wager placed say on Player 8 and 9, and should the Player's final score be 8 or 9 and Player wins the wager will win. If the Banker had won all Player's wagers will have lost. In the event of a tie (egalite) the wager would lose.

(ii) A chosen total and side must win to be paid, and ties push—A wager placed say on Player 8 and 9, and should the Player's final score be 8 or 9 and Player wins the wager will win. If the Banker had won all Player's wagers will have lost. In the event of a tie (egalite) the wager would neither win nor lose (push).

(iii) A chosen total and side pays whether it wins, loses, or ties—A wager placed say on Player 8 and 9, and should the Player's final score be 8 or 9 the wager will win.

(iv) A chosen total and side pays if it wins or loses, but ties lose—A wager placed say on Player 8 and 9, and should the Player's final score be 8 or 9 the wager will win unless it has the some score as the Bank (Tie) in this case it will lose.

The odds paid are dependant on what pay table is used.

The Initial Deal

For each coup the Banker shall initially deal four cards in the sequence Punter, Banker, Punter, Banker.

The Play

After the Initial Deal, the value of the Punter's hand will be determined and, depending on the point value, the Punter will proceed as detailed in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Point Value: Action: “Baccarat”, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 Punter takes an additional card face upwards 6 or 7 Punter stands 8 or 9 Punter stands

(i) If either the Punter or Banker has a point of 8 or 9, the Banker will deal no more cards for that coup.

(ii) If neither the Punter nor the Banker have a Point of 8 or 9 on the Initial Deal, the Banker shall, in accordance with the Table of Play (“Tableau”), either draw a card for his hand, or stand, as required.

(iii) The order of merit of hands at the conclusion shall be:

-   -   A two card point of nine     -   A two card point of eight     -   A three card point of nine     -   A three card point of eight     -   A two card or three card point of seven     -   A two card or three card point of six     -   A two card or three card point of five     -   A two card or three card point of four     -   A two card or three card point of three     -   A two card or three card point of two     -   A two card or three card point of one     -   “Baccarat” (zero)

(iv) Cards will be are drawn in accordance the Table of Play (“Tableau”) detailed a table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Punter Given No 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 card Banker's 3 D D D D D D D D S D D Point 4 S S D D D D D D S S D 5 S S S S D D D D S S D 6 S S S S S S D D S S S Banker: Punter: 0, 1 or 2 - draws 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 - draws 3, 4, 5 or 6 - (see above) 6 or 7 - stands 7 - stands 8 or 9 - no further draw 8 or 9 - no further draw D = Draw S = Stand

As shown in FIG. 1 the selection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a first array of a selection areas (10), and a second array of identifier areas (12) alternately interspaced between the selection areas of the first array such that each selection area of the second array is adjacent to a plurality of identifier areas of the first array. For ease of identification, the selection areas (10) are coloured white and the identifier areas are shown as squares having a white outline and each containing a coloured number signifying the number with which they are associated.

Each identifier area (12) is associated with one of the possible outcomes of a game of punto banco, i.e. a number in the range of zero to nine and the numbers are such that the ordering of the identifier areas (12) is numerical. More specifically, the identifier areas are each associated with a number between zero and nine, and in such a way that the neighbouring identifier(s) of each identifier area are associated with a number that it's the next integer in increasing or decreasing numerical order.

By way of example, a first identifier area (12 a) associated with the number “4” is neighboured (in the first array) by a second identifier area (12 b) associated with the number “3” on one side and neighboured (in the first array) by a third identifier area (12 c) associated with the number “5” on the other side.

The alternately interspaced pattern of the first and second arrays means that the each selection areas (10) is adjacent to, and thus associated with, two identifier areas (12). For example, a first selection area (10 a) is adjacent to the first (12 a) and third (12 c) identifier areas which are associated with the numbers “4” and “5”, respectively. By selecting the first selection area (10 a) (by placing a token or chip in the first selection area, for example), a user can select the two identifier areas (12 a and 12 c) adjacent to the first selection area (10 a) with a single selection. Since the ordering of the identifier areas (12) is numerical, such a single selection selects two areas which are numerical neighbours. Thus, in the example given above, a single token or chip can be placed in the first selection area (10 a) to bet on two outcomes of a game of punto banco, “4” and “5”, which are in numerical order. A pair of outcomes can therefore be selected by selecting a single selection area (10 a). Of course more outcomes can be selected by selecting more than one selection area (10) as necessary.

It will also be appreciated that a user can select a single identifier area (12 a) with a single selection by placing a single token or chip in the first identifier area. If such a selection is permitted, it may also be preferable to provide the number with which the identifier area (12 a) is associated adjacent to the identifier area (12 a). In this way, if the number provided inside the identifier area is covered by the item (for example, a token or chip) used to select to the identifier area, the number with which the identifier area is associated can still be made visible to users of the selection apparatus since it is also provided outside and adjacent to the identifier area, for example.

Modifications to the selection apparatus of FIG. 1 are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 shows a selection apparatus which is adapted to cater for separately selecting the outcome of the Banker's hand and/or the outcome of the Player's hand. In essence the selection apparatus comprises the selection apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned in parallel with another instance of the selection apparatus of FIG. 1. Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 2 comprises first 100 and second 200 selection apparatuses, each selection apparatus comprising a first array of selection areas 10; and a second array of identifier areas 12 alternately interspaced between the selection areas of the first ordered array such that each area of the second array is adjacent to a plurality of areas of the first array, wherein each identifier area is associated with one of the plurality of selectable identifiers such that each selectable identifier of the set is associated with at least one identifier area, and wherein each selection area is associated with the plurality of identifier areas it is adjacent to.

The first selection apparatus 100 is associated with the Player (Punto) so that a bet can be made on the outcome the Player's hand in game of punto banco (by selecting a selection area 10 of the first selection apparatus 100 as described above with reference to FIG. 1, for example). Further, the second selection apparatus 200 is associated with the Banker (Banco) so that a bet can be made on the outcome the Banker's hand in game of punto banco (by selecting a selection area 10 of the second selection apparatus 200 as described above with reference to FIG. 1, for example).

While specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the selection apparatus can be adapted to cater for gaming apparatuses comprising different numbers of outcomes, and can be also be used with identifiers other than numbers, such as symbols, letters, logos, colours, patterns and the like.

Furthermore, although embodiments have been described being used in conjunction with the game punto banco, other embodiments may be used in conjunction with other games and gaming apparatus with one or more winning outcomes (random or controlled) and these are desired to be selected or bet upon by one or more players. For example, an embodiment may be used in conjunction with the known game of Black Jack, wherein the selection apparatus enables a bet to be placed on two numbers between one and ten using a single selection, thereby enabling a bet to be placed on the value of the Dealer's first card to be dealt for example.

By way of example only, FIGS. 3-5 show various embodiments of the invention. Specifically. FIG. 3 shows an alternative selection layout, wherein the arrays of identifier areas and selection areas are provided as two rows. FIG. 4 shows a modification to the layout of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows yet another modification wherein winning odds associated with each selection area are provided adjacent the selection area. 

1. A selection apparatus adapted to be used with a gaming apparatus comprising a set of selectable outcomes, the selection apparatus comprising: a first array of identifier areas; and a second array of selection areas alternately interspaced between the identifier areas of the first array such that each selection area of the second array is adjacent to a plurality of identifier areas of the first array, wherein each identifier area is associated with one of the selectable outcomes such that each selectable outcome of the set is associated with at least one identifier area, and wherein each selection area is associated with the plurality of identifier areas it is adjacent to.
 2. A selection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a selectable outcome comprises a plurality of selectable sub-outcomes.
 3. A selection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a selectable outcome comprises a number.
 4. A selection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the number is associated with one or more gaming cards, or one or more dice.
 5. A selection apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an identifier comprises at least one of: a symbol; a number; a letter; a logo; a colour; an image; and a pattern.
 6. A method of playing a game, the method comprising the steps of: providing a gaming apparatus having a set of selectable outcomes; providing a selection apparatus comprising: a first array of identifier areas; and a second array of selection areas alternately interspaced between the identifier areas of the first array such that each selection area of the second array is adjacent to a plurality of identifier areas of the first array, wherein each identifier area is associated with one of the selectable outcomes such that each selectable outcome of the set is associated with at least one identifier area, and wherein each selection area is associated with the plurality of identifier areas it is adjacent to; selecting a first selection area of the second array so as to select a plurality of identifier areas adjacent to the first selection area with a single selection; operating the gaming apparatus in accordance with predetermined rules so as to select an outcome; and determining if the selected outcome corresponds with any one of the selected plurality of identifier areas.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the gaming apparatus comprises a set of cards.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein a selectable outcome comprises a plurality of selectable sub-outcomes.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein a selectable outcome comprises a number.
 10. A method of playing a game, the method embodied in a computer program product for use with a computer system, the computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied in the medium for performing the steps of the method, the method comprising the steps of: providing a gaming apparatus having a set of selectable outcomes; providing a selection apparatus comprising: a first array of identifier areas; and a second array of selection areas alternately interspaced between the identifier areas of the first array such that each selection area of the second array is adjacent to a plurality of identifier areas of the first array, wherein each identifier area is associated with one of the selectable outcomes such that each selectable outcome of the set is associated with at least one identifier area, and wherein each selection area is associated with the plurality of identifier areas it is adjacent to; selecting a first selection area of the second array so as to select a plurality of identifier areas adjacent to the first selection area with a single selection; operating the gaming apparatus in accordance with predetermined rules so as to select an outcome; and determining if the selected outcome corresponds with any one of the selected plurality of identifier areas.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein a selectable outcome comprises a plurality of selectable sub-outcomes.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein a selectable outcome comprises a number. 